YOU could see that Madness were relishing bringing their own uniquely British brand of ska/ pop music to rural North Wales when they performed at Llangollen’s International Musical Eisteddfod on July 13.
This was The Nutty Boys’ first appearance in the region since their much-remembered concert on Rhyl promenade in 2015.
And they managed to bring that same thrilling atmosphere, which captivated that seafront audience, to Saturday’s concert.
The crowd at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, had been primed for an epic evening by a fantastic set from The Hoosiers whose hits ‘Worried About Ray’ and ‘Goodbye Mr A’ , were expertly mixed with cover versions including Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’.
Madness were given the task of closing this year’s magnificent line-up of concerts at the Pavilion which have included Bryan Adams, Nile Rodgers, Simple Minds, Suede and Manic Street Preachers and Paloma Faith.
The Camden crew launched into their set with their hit ‘One Step Beyond’.
Lead singer Suggs spoke of his delight at being back in Wales, revealing his connection with the country as a youngster while staying with his relatives.
Addressing the packed crowd he said: “Isn’t it nice to be out and about. We’re all shapes and sizes but we’re still alive, and it’s nice to see some young people here!”
The band’s followers dressed in pork pie hats and Fezzes roared with excitement as the band went on to remind us of their amazing collection of songs which include 15 top 10 UK singles like ‘Embarrassment’, ‘The Prince’, and ‘My Girl’, along with tracks from the band’s recent number one album ‘C'est La Vie’ and ‘Run For Your Life’.
The football terrace chants continued during a fantastic performance by the group of its uplifting spiritual anthem ‘Wings of a Dove’ which raised the roof of the venue.
While most of the band exited the stage concertgoers earlier entertained throughout the show by the wonderful slapstick antics of saxophonist Lee Thompson were treated to more fun in the shape of an enthusiastic version of ACDC’s ‘Highway to Hell' by guitarist Chris Foreman which the crowd lapped up.
Normal service, however, was soon resumed as the rest of the boys returned for home straight of their biggest hits as part of their 90-minute set.
The surreal ‘House of Fun’ had people all around me bursting into weird and wonderful dance moves while ‘Baggy Trousers’ saw gig-goers pogoing in unison following some sage advice from frontman Suggs to a member of this cross-generational audience, Bella, to work hard at your education.
‘Our House’ brought joy to everyone’s faces while arguably the group’s biggest hit ’It Must Be Love’ saw the audience take part in a moving, majestic singalong.
Calls for were duly answered as the band performed an epic encore of their signature tune ‘Madness’ and ‘Night Boat to Cairo’ – clearly a moment the assembled army of fez-wearing fans had been waiting for and what will be remembered as an awesome climax to an unforgettable evening of live music.
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